Credit card help for the under 25s

Getting your first credit card isn’t always easy, so we've got some tips on what to do to improve your chances.

With lenders continuing to be very selective about who they lend to, those without any credit history can find it very difficult to borrow.

This applies to any form of credit, including credit cards, unsecured loans and mortgages, and is particularly problematic for young adults.

Lack of track record

The issue for lenders is they want to see that a borrower is able and willing to make required monthly payments, and he or she has a demonstrable track record of doing so.

They also want to see that the repayment schedule is affordable for the recipient, and that there is no element of indebtedness.

While these strict lending rules can be very frustrating for young adults who don’t have a track record, there are steps you can take to build your credit score.

The key is to demonstrate that you are capable of handling credit. And one of the best ways of showing this is by having a credit card to build data showing you’re a responsible borrower.

Credit-building cards

So, as a younger user without a history of credit, you may want to look at a group of credit cards known as credit-building cards.

A credit-building credit card is aimed at first-timers who have never had credit, whether a credit card or loan, but wish to build up their credit rating to enable them to apply for those kinds of services in the future.

If used responsibly, it could be used to build a successful track record of borrowing and repaying on time.

Your first card will typically have a fairly low credit limit and a higher than average rate of interest.

If you use it responsibly, you may to able request an increase in the limit a little further down the line.

You also need to bear in mind that your choice of card will be severely restricted.

Use your card wisely

If you’ve never had a credit card before, you may see these pieces of plastic in a very negative light and view them as a fast-track to debt. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

While it’s very easy to rack up considerable debts which could take you years to clear, this can easily be avoided with a little discipline.

The golden rule is to borrow a small amount of money regularly, stay within your credit limit, and pay off the bill each month – and on time.

One of the best ways to do this is by setting up a direct debit to repay the full amount every month so you’re never charged any interest.

A word of warning: if you’re late with a repayment, or if a repayment isn’t honoured – or exceeds your credit limit – you will typically incur a fee.

But making sufficient repayments on time will help you establish a track record as a responsible borrower.

Tips when applying

When applying for a credit card, you may find that you get rejected.

If this happens, avoid the temptation to apply for lots of different cards - this could damage your credit rating.

Instead, you should look to improve your credit score in other ways, such as:

Registering on the electoral roll.

Trying to avoid moving house too frequently.

Paying off any credit you are able to get, such as a small overdraft or mobile phone bill.

Following the advice here to create a decent "behavioural profile" will not only help you get a more competitive credit card next time around, but will also help you with any other credit applications in the future.

Confused.com, 3rd Floor, Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AL, United Kingdom
Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Limited and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority